Notes on sample recordings above: The first samples were made in high school auditorium, with the mics approximately 15 feet apart and 25 feet from the front of the band. Recorder was the Edirol R-09 (original model) line in (16/44.1kHz) with the SP-SPSB-11 battery module.? The only post processing was normalizing. The last sample was at large concert using the Edirol R-09HR line in (24/44.1kHz). Recorded from rear stage, sect 114, row 21. Mics mounted in Kangol hat at approx DIN config (7" spread, 110 degrees). Dithered from 24 bit to 16 bit using Adobe Audition/Isotope Ozone. No gain adjustment, EQ, or other processing applied (thanks to Scott P. for this submission!)

The Premium Audio Technica microphones include matched set of Audio Technica U853 microphones (replaces the AT853). These microphone come with permanently installed high quality, double shielded microphone cables and new all-metal body. Removable clips are available in two styles Shure rotating lapel clips and standard mini rotating clips. The standard configuration comes with the two microphone cables terminated together into standard stereo gold plated 1/8"" mini plug. The high SPL versions (with XLR phantom plugs or with the AT8531 power modules) come with each mic on separate cable and connector. Custom cable lengths and configurations are available call for details. Windscreens are included and premium locking windscreens are also available (see option box above).

Details on new version of the U853 (replaces the AT853):

Maintaining the Audio-Technica tradition of clear and transparent sound quality, the U853A cardioid condenser microphone is ideal for music, speech, theater, orchestra and choir sound reinforcement and recording. The microphones fast transient response and low distortion characteristics allow every complex detail to be heard with all its impact-rich, vibrant qualities faithfully reproduced. Equipped with UniGuard innovations that offer unsurpassed immunity from radio frequency interference, the U853A accepts interchangeable elements, available in cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional and UniLine line cardioid (mini shotgun) polar patterns.

- Designed for concert recording, suspension over choirs, instrumental groups and theater stages

- Operates on "plug in power", microphone battery power supply or phantom power (with adapters see details below)

Powering Options:

There are several ways to power these microphones. Each of these options provides the same sound quality, the only difference is the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) the mics can handle.

1-The microphones can be powered with normal "plug-in-power", available on many portable recorders and camcorders. With this type of power, the mics will handle reasonable sound levels. If you will be using the mics in high SPL (sound pressure level) situations, the microphones require additional power, beyond the normal "plug in power". You will need to use one of the powering schemes described below:

2-For strong sound levels, consistent with loud amplified concerts, you can add battery module for increased high SPL performance and dynamic range. You can select the battery module shown above in the option box, or choose one of the many other types that are available on this page if you prefer. We also recommend that you add the "Low sensitivity" modification as an option (details on this option here).

3-However, if your recorder/mixer, etc. supplies phantom power, you can add the high SPL modified XLR connector option. Each mic has it's own XLR connector and cable and microphones ordered this way will not work with "plug in power" or standard battery module as shown above.

4-For intensely loud situations, consistent with highly amplified concerts at close distances to the speakers, you can add set of Ultra high SPL power modules (AT8538 or AT8531) with locking connectors between the mics and the power modules. In this configuration, the mics remain balanced. With the AT8538 modules, the microphones will plug into device (mixer, mic preamp, recorder, etc) that supplies 9-52v phantom power. With the AT8531, the microphones will run on each modules standard AA battery or 9-52v phantom power. This configuration provides the highest level of SPL capability. The output of the modules are XLRM plugs. To connect the portable recorder with miniplug input, select this cable.

Lastly, if you wish to use the mics with plug in power and phantom power (alternately), order the mics as shown in option "1" above and order this cable with the phantom power option.

Having purchased these from TSP and running them for about a year, I have these comments:
1. Great sound quality. Using them on the 3.5" mic input on a Tascam DR07, without battery box, gives near-perfect stereo capture when used on a T-bar or X/Y configuration.
2. The sensitivity is good enough to capture audio at 24bit at -20 to -30 and still have clean, usable sound.
3. Unlike cheaper dynamic and condenser microphones, spikes in audio volume (a pan on the stovetop while speaking, for example) do not devour the quieter sounds, leaving an accurate soundscape behind. It is nice when compressing and normalizing audio tracks with loud peaks.
4. They are heavy, and larger than they appear in the photos. They weigh about as much as a thumb-sized rock, and are roughly the shape of a small sharpie marker cap cut in half. (Dimensions are posted on website)
5. The cardioid pattern is good with little leakage and good directionality.